Group Work: Building global connections to restore hope in a fragmented world

Social group work unites individuals, groups, and communities in times of struggle and times of success. The positive impact of group intervention becomes even more apparent and powerful when persons are confronted by extraordinary circumstances that cause social isolation, grief and loss, trauma, or despair during a global health emergency such as COVID-19. This book focuses on social group work interventions shared by scholars at the International Association for Social Work with Group's 41st and 42nd Annual Symposia, highlighting social group work done by group work experts from Africa, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. Chapters appear in English (with one in French), and focus on the spirit of group work in building global connections to restore hope in a fragmented world. This book celebrates social group work interventions from across the globe, interventions focused on: assessing community needs; building partnerships between academic and professional communities; evaluating group work; and facilitating interventions to nurture hope, community, and belonging during times of global despair. Chapters center on global aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice interventions to explore practical applications for incorporating social group work clinical practice within community and governmental organizations, as well as academic settings. Readers will find these interventions to be timeless in offering hope and the ability to build a sense of belonging and community. This book should be of interest to anyone who is practicing, studying, or researching group work in the field of social work or other related disciplines. Each chapter leads us through an exciting examination of various challenges facing social group workers who engage with individuals, groups, and communities to provide remedy and resolution through group work.